Just when it looked like ETSU would cruise to the win the talented Kentucky squad rallied back as junior Andra Voinea (Brasov, Romania) lost her first singles match since February 6 with a 6-4, 6-3 setback against Christine Johnston.

The Blue and White then tied the contest at 3-3 as Caroline Lilley survived a valiant effort from sophomore Paula Jaime (Madrid, Spain). After the UK sophomore won the first set 6-0, Jaime took the second 4-6, before the Big Blue underclassman - who won a team-best 25 matches last spring - endured the final set 6-4.

"I'm extremely proud of Paula," said Brooks. "I know Paula did lose, but she fought so hard to get back into that match after losing every game that first set. It was heartbreaking that she couldn't finish that comeback, but I couldn't be happier with the effort she gave against a quality player in Lilley."

With the match tied, and after Holtzhausen and 128th-ranked Megan Broderick split the first two sets 6-3, 3-6, the Lady Buc transfer found her determination winning the third set 7-6 (7-5).

"Kelly was the key for us," said Brooks. "She just kept grinding that last set. She fought off two match points in that final set. That grit was the ultimate difference in her win. Broderick was an All-SEC performer last season so this was a great win for Kelly."